Under The Sea Birthday Party

Our Little Shark Turns 3!

When it came time to choose a theme for C’s third birthday, it was obvious — ocean! C is fascinated with sharks, tropical fish, whales, coral reefs, sea stars, dolphins, sea turtles, and everything under the sea! So, that was the easy part! This was my opportunity to really create something magical for him and his friends. I rolled up my sleeves, pulled out my sketch book, and started planning. I still get teased about it because I started four months early! It’s not easy to plan a summer themed birthday in the winter — you won’t find anything!

My inspiration all started from a kids origami book I spotted in Marshall’s. I’ve always been fascinated with origami and wanted to learn, so this was my opportunity. Plus, I’m obsessed with paper! All the under the sea party decor is made from paper — wrapping paper, vellum paper, scrapbook paper, butcher paper, tissue paper, coffee filters, cup cake wrappers, construction paper, crepe paper, poster board, and tool! I wanted every thing to be handmade — I love DIY projects! Shh, I didn’t make the cake though! I had to save time somewhere, lol! Let’s start here …

{DIY} Pin-the-leg Octopus: I traced the head with a bowl, cut out the legs {poster board, Target, .30 x 2, clearance —yay!}, 1.5″ circle punch with construction paper in various colors for the circles.

As you enter —wave boarder sign, “Welcome Under The Sea” with bubble drops and fishing poles.

Fishing poles with origami fish added on hook! We used real hooks because it was high enough so the little ones couldn’t reach!

The long bubble chandeliers projected the feeling of being underwater and the ruffled streamers represented waves. I used for the backdrop and the dessert/favor table.

SCUBA Flag and Paper Garland

The party wouldn’t be complete without a SCUBA flag! Our Jr. and Baby SCUBA had to prepare for the big dive! They had plenty of fluid on-hand at our scuba tank station. Not sure they’ll like sea water, but maybe colored apple juice? Here’s our fabulous inspiration.

Fishing nets have so many uses! I used a basic origami fish fold with heavy card stock and glued on large chip board letters {Hobby Lobby, 5.99} — “Happy Birthday CJ!” Luckily, the net, boat, shells, and stones I had from him baby room — we did an ocean theme {big surprise}.

Our little ocean squids watched the party from afar!

The Magical Treasure Sea Cave: Explore Hidden Treasures

This was a big hit! Grandma bought CJ the dolphin tee-pee for his birthday, so it doubled as the Magical Treasure Sea Cave — just perfect!

The kids went exploring Under The Sea for gold and treasures! I hid trinkets like beaded necklaces, bouncy balls, coins, and compasses under shiny foiled paper. Inspiration for cave.

For the final cake presentation I used a wooden life ring purchased a few years ago from Michaels — added 12 b&w cupcakes with coordinating blue wrappers and sea creature toothpicks. As an added touch, I scattered gold wrapped chocolate coins around the cake.

CJ could care less about the cake — all he wanted was the shark! As you can see, he grabbed it pre-candle blow out! I can’t complain though, he doesn’t like sweets. I’m sure all that will change soon, but for now I’ll take it.

I tell you, this boy loves his sharks! Shark takes a tubby with him everyday! Scuba is hiding under the couch most of the time. 😉

Scuba Tank Station — Sea Water & Jr. Scuba Tanks. I used apple juice and blue food coloring. The mugs are Sip-A-Mug. I was so excited because they’re BPA free too! We still use them; it makes drinking way more fun!

I made different sized origami paper boats {they actually float} and added large paperclips to the top of the boat. By the end of that party it was more like soggy paper boat fishing with an invasion of CJ’s animals and gummy worms!

Shark Attack Game

Silly Daddy making the shark attack balloon! We popped in 3 times, so we switch to a ball.

C’s party was so fun to design! I can’t wait until the big #4 — hmm, what to do next year? Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy all the tutorials! Happy party making! I’d love to hear all about your party experiences too!

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This is so much fun!!! My son and I were shopping for turtle plates, and he pointed to yours…so, I’m like great we’ll just buy them…and then…no, we’ll MAKE them! Where did you get the scale-like paper for the turtle plates? We’re all the way in Hawaii, and don’t have too many choices…thanks in advance!

Hi Malia. Thank you and please tell your son he rocks! Happy you like them. I bought the scale paper at Michael’s craft store in a paper pack with assorted colors. Can you order online? I’m sure Amazon has something similar. Have a great party. Cheers. ☺️

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